Penlee Point

Penlee Point is one of the most beautiful walks in the country. It lies on the South West Coast Path, and the views all around the headland are incredible. If you’re staying at Blue Monkey Cornwall, you’re just minutes away from this stunning coastal walk.

What Is Penlee Point?

Penn Legh is Cornish for stone-slab headland and the point is a coastal headland southeast of the village of Rame in Southeast Cornwall, UK. The point lies at the entrance to Plymouth Sound, with its imposing lighthouse commanding views across the water.

Penlee Point is part of a small Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty known as the “Rame Head Heritage Coast” that also includes Cawsand Bay and the Mount Edgcumbe Country Park.

Penlee Point Walk: Distance, Time & Difficulty

Key Stats:

• Distance: 6-9.7 km (4-6 miles) depending on route
• Time: 1.5 to 3.5 hours
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Elevation gain: 150-235 meters
• Route type: Circular walk on the South West Coast Path

The walk is easily achievable for families and casual walkers, though some sections involve steady climbing. The terrain is mostly on established paths, with a few steep areas. There are no major obstacles, though the path can be muddy in places, particularly near woodland sections.

How to get to Penlee Point from Blue Monkey

If you’re staying at Blue Monkey in Cawsand, getting to Penlee Point is straightforward: turn right out of Blue Monkey and keep walking – the road will take you all the way to Penlee Point. It’s a scenic walk through the village, taking approximately 20-30 minutes on foot before you reach the coastal path.

Alternatively, there’s a Penlee Point car park if you prefer to drive (PL101LN).

What To See At Penlee Point

Queen Adelaide’s Grotto

Above the point and little below the stunning Coastal Path is Queen Adelaide’s Grotto, built in 1827/1828 to commemorate the visit of King William IV and Queen Adelaide to Mount Edgcumbe.  Penlee Battery is the former site of a fort, and is now a nature reserve.

Penlee Battery Nature Reserve

A gun battery was constructed on Penlee Point in the late 1880s and used throughout both World Wars. It was initially armed with two 6-inch guns and a massive 13.5-inch gun, which weighed 67 tons and took eighty horses two weeks to haul it up a specially constructed flight of steps. On its first firing, the recoil from the gun split its concrete bed. The battery was decommissioned in the 1950s, and the buildings associated with it were demolished, but there are still enough remains to appreciate the scale of the defences. Wait around until low tide to see a private, hidden beach revealed.  This is also where nature lovers can see the Green Darner Dragonfly, first seen in Britain here.

Rame Head

Penlee Point is part of a small Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty known as the “Rame Head Heritage Coast” that also includes Cawsand Bay and the Mount Edgcumbe Country Park. 

Penlee Point Walk Tips

What To Bring

• Good walking boots (the path can be muddy)
• Waterproof jacket (weather changes quickly on the coast)
• Plenty of water and snacks
• Sun cream and hat (exposed headland with no shade)
• Camera for the views

Best Time To Visit

Spring (April-May): Wildflowers in bloom, milder weather, fewer crowds

Summer (June-August): Warmest weather, longest daylight, best for swimming at hidden beach, but busiest with visitors

Autumn (September-October): Blackberries, butterflies, and beautiful golden light; generally quieter than summer

Winter (November-March): Dramatic coastal views, fewer visitors, but shorter daylight and potentially muddy paths

Important: Stock Up Before You Go

Make sure you stock up with plenty to eat before you go. There are no facilities at Penlee Point itself, so pack a picnic lunch and snacks. You can grab supplies in Cawsand village beforehand.

Where To Eat In Cawsand

Try some of the great places to eat in Cawsand before or after your walk:

• The Bay Bar and Restaurant – Located on Cawsand Beach with sea views
• The Old Bakery – Traditional village spot

You can check what’s open here.

Where to stay: Blue Monkey Cornwall

Penlee Point is one of the most accessible coastal walks from Blue Monkey Cornwall, our luxury 5-bed self-catering holiday cottage in Cawsand. You can literally turn right out of the cottage and walk straight to Penlee Point – no car needed.

Blue Monkey is perfectly positioned as your base for exploring the Rame Peninsula, with easy access to:

• Penlee Point and Rame Head walks
• Mount Edgcumbe Country Park
• Three sandy beaches (Cawsand, Kingsand, The Cleave)
• Whitsand Bay (just a short drive)
• Village restaurants and shops

Book Your Penlee Point Adventure

Ready to explore one of Cornwall’s most beautiful walks? Blue Monkey Cornwall is your perfect base.

Contact us to book:

Call: 07845 468 487
Email: enquiries@bluemonkeycornwall.com

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Our guests love to go out for drinks or supper when they’re holidaying at Blue Monkey. With life slowly returning to a new normal, everybody is longing to discover new places/for a change of scenery, so I thought I would find out where you can sit down, relax and enjoy some local food! What’s open in Kingsand and Cawsand? Where can you find the best view? Here is a selection of some of our favourite places to eat locally with the best views in South East Cornwall, along with their opening times.

The Canteen, Maker Heights

Work up an appetite with a brisk 30 minute walk from Blue Monkey to the Canteen at Maker Heights, a popular Sunday lunch destination.  Open daily 9.30 till 16.00 the canteen serves breakfast and lunch but is most famous for it’s delicious Sunday lunch. Very relaxed, dogs are welcome and if you love to sit and gaze out to sea, this is the spot for you!

Top Tip: You need to book in advance for Sunday lunch: 01752 659069

The Bay Bar and Restaurant

A little further down the road from Blue Monkey and situated right on the beach, this new restaurant boasts a view from every table!  A great place for lunch during the week you can eat at one of the tables or get takeaway.

Opening Hours

Mon – Thurs & Sun 10am – 6pm

Fri & Sat 10am – 10pm

The Devonport Inn

Also right on the beach and a little closer to Blue Monkey, The Devonport Inn serves lunch, afternoon tea, supper and takeaways.  On Sundays they have a delicious brunch between 11am and 3pm with live music in the evening to cheer you on.

Have a look at their menu here.

Top Tip: You need to book in advance.

Mount Edgcumbe House and Gardens

The House and Gardens at Mount Edgcumbe are now open again.  Treat yourself with a visit to the Orangery Garden Café or enjoy the beautiful grounds with a takeaway coffee from The Farriers Café. If you’re feeling energetic, you can walk along the coastal path from Blue Monkey all the way to Mount Edgcumbe but it’s a long hike – take some water!

The Country Park is open to the public free of charge every day of the year from 8am – 8pm in the summer and 8am – 6pm in Winter.

The Farriers Cafe is open for lunch.

The Stores

The Stores is our local delicatessen, serving delicious artisan coffee, gluten free cakes, sourdough bread and a range of scrumptious deli products.  The Stores will deliver grazing platters of delicious cheeses and meats to your door or ask Annabel to arrange a picnic hamper for you packed with your favourite focaccia, sourdough bagels or Cornish patrami – yum!

The Rod and Line

Seven miles before Cawsand, on the Saltash side, is the Rod and Line – a rustic Cornish pub renowned locally for its excellent fresh sea food.  The Rod and Line serves a full menu all day every day and describes itself as ‘an unapologetically, back to basics, spit and sawdust pub’ with a warm open fire and friendly natives!

Top Tip: Book in advance: 01752 851912

The Old Bakery Cafe

The Old Bakery sourdough bakehouse, pizzeria and cafe is open from April to October and you will find it on Garrett Street, a stone’s throw from Blue Monkey.  The perfect place to get breakfast pastries and coffee at the weekend, and then wander down to the seashore to eat them.

Opening Hours

Mondays 5.30 to 8pm for take away pizza

Friday, Saturday and Sunday 9am till noon for pastries, bread and coffee etc.

During high season they do take away pizza from 5.30 till 8pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

The Halfway House Inn

Awarded a Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice in 2021, the pub is a just a minute’s walk from Blue Monkey on the corner of Fore Street and Garrett Street.  They have a new seating area and beer garden at the back of the pub where you can grab a table and try one of their delicious meals.  The pub is a pebble’s throw rom the beach and so if it looks too crowded, you can opt for take away fand retire to the beach and stare out to sea – my favourite pastime!

You can check out their menu here.

Free Stuff!

Please make use of the two free Kayaks and paddle boards at the house that we provide for our guests to use, or take a picnic to Penlee Point.

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Easter Fun!

The Rame Peninsula is the perfect place to spend an Easter Break in Cornwall.  There are beaches, coastal walks with breath-taking views and lots of family entertainments planned.  Here are three of our favourites right on Blue Monkey’s doorstep:

Easter at Eden

From the 6^th to 25^th of April the Eden Project is running a very special Easter event.  There are indoor and outdoor games and activities for families to try (phew no need to worry about the rain!).  Have fun herding farmyard animals into their pens, win some golden eggs and learn about growing crops with the Eden farmers.

Top Tip: Free with Eden Admission

Plymouth Easter Egg Hunt

Plymouth is full of exciting things to see and do and there’s always something happening to entertain all ages.  If you are planning an Easter break in Cornwall, your children will be delighted to hear that they can join the free chocolate mini egg hunt in Plymouth City Centre.  Follow a map to find the giant eggs and claim your eggs!

Top Tip: The best way to get to Plymouth is to take the ferry from Cawsand Beach to Barbican Landing Stage and spot dolphins on the way.

Mount Edgcumbe House

Five minutes from Blue Monkey is the ancestral home of the Earls of Mount Edgcumbe.  Full of history, art and three 16^th century tapestries, the house is well worth a visit and opens for the season from 1^st April to the end of September, Sunday through Thursday from 11am to 4.30pm.

If you don’t want to visit the house, the country park is free of charge and open every day from 8am to 8pm. This is a fun day out for the family, with Adventure Segway, Golf, cycles, archery and many more things to do and explore.

Top Tip: Dogs on leads are welcome.  Family Ticket price: £12.50

April Offer

6th to 13th April is still available and we are offering 15% off listed Price
Please enter code APR at checkout on our secure online payment page here.

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Here at Blue Monkey…

…we’re excited to see that the sun is beginning to shine and the daffodils are already carpeting the forests!  So if you’re feeling the need for a fortifying breath of sea air, why not take a March mini break in Cornwall?  Life is beginning again down here as castles dust off their cobwebs, pigs are racing and even the birds are up to something…

The Devon Bird of Prey Centre

Just over an hour’s drive from Blue Monkey you can book in for an experience day and learn to fly a falcon!  You can try a 1-hour taster session, book a day with a falconer and learn how to fly the birds yourself, or you can just spectate.

Berry Pomeroy Castle

Just over the border in Devon, this castle was built in the 1560s and was intended to be a huge and wonderful place – Devon’s answer to Longleat.  But the project was never completed, and it is now a famously haunted romantic old ruin.  Definitely worth adding to your mini break in Cornwall schedule!

Pig Racing at Pennywell Farm

Pennywell Farm has opened up its gates for the Spring, and as horse racing doesn’t start until Easter, the pigs have decided to take the limelight with their own special Races.  This is a day out for families and the farm runs activities, free rides and different displays every half hour.  The farm is a very healthy way to entertain your children on a mini break in Cornwall.

Staring out to Sea

They say the best things in life are free… and maybe the best thing to do on a mini break in Cornwall is just to sit and enjoy the wonderful views of the Rame Peninsula.

Availability

Please check out our availability page here or email us at enquiries@bluemonkeycornwall.com

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Summer’s over – hooray!  That means it’s time to take an Autumn break in Cornwall.  No crowds, lower prices, and still plenty to do and see.  Dogs are delighted – they’re allowed off lead from the 1^st October on the beaches around Blue Monkey, so you can all go for a bracing coastal walk, followed by supper in one of the many fabulous dog friendly pubs or restaurants.  As Halloween and Bonfire night approach the events calendar hots up with a fortnight of magical activities at The Eden Project.  Here are three recommendations for an unmissable Autumn Break in Cornwall:

POLPERRO

A day trip to Polperro, 30 minutes down the coast from Blue Monkey, is a must for the creative soul.  Situated in an area of ‘outstanding natural beauty’, the unspoilt harbour, is brimming with artists and you can admire their work in the many local galleries and browse through quirky independent shops.  Polperro is famous for its seafood restaurants serving fresh fish caught by the local fishermen.

This is the perfect place for a romantic walk as the coast either side of the harbour will blow both your mind and the cobwebs away.   If you’re feeling energetic, take the 5-mile path from Polperro to Looe – the spectacular views along this coast will be a highlight of your Autumn break in Cornwall.

THE LOOE VALLEY LINE

Talking of Looe… if you’re feeling less like walking but you’d still like to admire the views then catching a train along the Looe Valley Line may suit you better.  See the final stretch here.

If you’re taking an Autumn break in Cornwall then this is not to be missed.  Along the route from Liskeard to Looe you will travel through woodland valleys opening up to the estuary where the river meets the sea.  At low tide you’ll see all sorts of beautiful birds wading through the water: Herons, Oystercatchers and Curlews.

Top Tips: The train runs regularly throughout the day, dogs are welcome and a ticket costs just £4.60.

THE EDEN PROJECT

The Eden Project at St Austell is Cornwall’s most famous landmark, built to study the environment and conservation to find new ways to provide a cleaner and greener future for the world.  The bubble shaped biomes are the world’s largest greenhouses, each housing a miniature ecosystem that supports the appropriate climate for the wildlife living within it.  Younger children will be excited to explore a steamy rainforest biome with a tree top walkway winding through a jungle canopy.  Over the half term fortnight there will also be strange Halloween creatures wandering the biomes, pumpkin displays, and ice skating at the Little Monsters Halloween Ball.

Older children will enjoy England’s longest zip wire, a giant gravity swing, a 12m bungee drop and a 25m free-fall jump into an airbag (over 18s only).  Do something you’ll never forget on your Autumn break in Cornwall!

Top Tips: Dogs are allowed on the site but not inside the Biomes.

AUTUMN AVAILABILITY

We still have a few gaps to fill over the coming weeks:

29th September to 4th October
8th to 11th October

14th to 20th October
27th October to 1st November

Please email Annabel for a quote: enquiries@bluemonkeycornwall.com
Or book securely online here

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“KAYAKING is one of the biggest rushes you can have on the water, letting you play in lakes, river rapids, waterfalls and even the sea. It’s also a great way to get up close to nature and check out the world around you from a brand new point of view, paddling silently through remote areas that most people will never get to visit.

Kayaking in Cornwall should be on every adventurer’s bucket list. It’s one of the UK’s most beautiful counties, known for its craggy rugged coastline, crystal clear blue water and plenty of awesome wildlife to see. Dolphins and seals are commonly spotted all over Cornwall.

If you are a beginner kayaker, there are plenty of spots to visit. From the calm, placid waters of the south to the windswept north coast, you won’t struggle to find some of the best places to go kayaking in the UK.”

(Kayak blogger Mpora)

Cawsand Beach

Two minutes walk from Blue Monkey is Cawsand beach where Mat will give Kayak lessons to absolute beginners and you can also book him to guide you around the coast.

Top Tip: Kayaking will exhaust your children – ensuring parents of a good night’s rest!!!

Portwrinkle

For the more adventurous, this Cornish Angler likes to fish from his Kayak! He recommends Portwrinkle, a former fishing village and harbour at the centre of Whitsand Bay. You can kayak close in or explore the reefs further out. Launch your kayak from within the tiny harbour, or Hoodny Cove to the west of it or Finnygook Beach to the East when there is low swell. Beware the strong tides that can flow across Whitsand Bay on Spring Tides.

Top Tip: Many species of fish can be caught from your kayak including Makerel, Plaice and Bass when in season.

Millbrook

The River Tamar marks the border between Devon and Cornwall with green rolling hills on either side. Start your paddle at Cotehele Quay, part of a National Trust property and head up past the Cotehele estate, Danesfield House and underneath the famous Calstock viaduct. You’ll pass Okel Tor Quay and Gawton Quay which were once key parts of the copper mining industry. Keep your eyes peeled for deer, kingfishers and peregrine falcons.

Top Tip: Blue Monkey has 2 Kayaks for our guests to use, free of charge. We provide life jackets and ask that you take full responsibility for your party’s safety whilst using the kayaks.

Thanks to Mpora where you will find many other articles on Kayaking in Cornwall.

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Kingsand in Cornwall is a really special place. Here at Blue Monkey we just love our local area, and we wanted to tell you why! So here goes:

1: The Local Beaches

The small pebbly beaches of Kingsand and Cawsand are typical of an old fishing village.  Kingsand Beach has rock pools for your children to explore with their shrimping nets and Cawsand beach has canoes and kayaks for the more adventures to hire during the summer.  There are three pubs near the beaches:

• The Devenport on The Cleave,
• The Rising Sun on The Green; and
• The Halfway House Inn on Fore Street
• The Cross Keys Inn, The Square, Cawsand

…and three cafes within five minutes walk:

• the Old BoatStore cafe on the cleave
• The Old Bakery on Garrett street; and
• The Shop in the Square

Top Tip: You can supervise older children playing on Kingsand beach whilst you relax at The Devonport. 

The villages of Kingsand and Cawsand are typically Cornish but not commercialised. 

2: The Coastal Path

Turn right out of the front door of Blue Monkey and you can follow the coastal path along the Rame Peninsula all the way to Pen Leigh Point and beyond!  Penn Leigh is Cornish for stone-slab headland and the point is a coastal headland southeast of the village of Rame in Southeast Cornwall at the entrance to Plymouth Sound.  Rame Head is part of a small Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty known as the “Rame Head Heritage Coast” that also includes Cawsand Bay and the Mount Edgcumbe Country Park. 

Top Tip: Pack yourself a picnic and enjoy the amazing views over lunch.

3. The Plymouth Ferry

After a lovely walk from Kingsand through Mount Edgecombe, across the ferry at Cremyll and a walk into the city centre via the lovely Barbican, it is an absolute treat to catch this long serving ferry service and cross Plymouth sound back to the beach at Cawsand, step off the boat and be back at your accommodation, or nearest pub in 2 minutes.

Top Tip: The fare is very reasonable for the half hour trip, the view superb and if you’re lucky you may encounter dolphins.  (NJC, Trip Advisor)

Are you visiting this area and looking for accommodation in Kingsand, Cornwall? Blue Monkey Cornwall is luxury self catering accommodation perfect for your families next holiday in Cornwall. Find out more about our Kingsand accommodation or check out our availability here.

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We know that many couples would like to get married in Cornwall, with it’s beautiful scenery and romantic history, so I’ve compiled a list of 3 of the best wedding venues within 10 minutes of Blue monkey.

Mount Edgcumbe House

Mount Edgcumbe House is one of the most beautiful venues the South West has to offer. With over 600 years of history, set in stunning grounds overlooking Plymouth Sound, this venue is the thing that dreams are made of. 

The House has three licensed rooms for civil ceremonies, accommodating from 2 to 120 guests plus the outdoor option of the elegant Summer House overlooking the delightful Earls Garden. 

With 2 stunning venues in the park for your reception, you are spoilt for choice. 

The historic Orangery overlooking the Italian Garden can seat up to 120 guests for a sumptuous reception before dancing the night away in this delightful setting. 

The second option is combining the new with the old; a state of the art marquee nestled in the exclusive Earls Garden gives you the modern comfort of a reinforced glass structure with the private gardens for your guests to enjoy throughout the evening. 

Whitsand Bay Fort

Whitsand Bay Fort delivers a distinctive and versatile venue with stunning scenery and luxury accommodation. Set in a 19th Century Napoleonic Coastal Fort, we are a designated English Heritage Ancient Monument with far reaching beautiful coastal and rural views.

From the elegantly classic to the stylish contemporary, the fort works together with you to design a day that is unique. You can nestle away inside the Napoleonic Vaulted chambers, simply oozing with original character and charm. Or extend into the Vaults Suite with its fusion of contemporary lines and traditional architecture. Our seating capacity allows for 20-150 guests, so you can bring your nearest and dearest or extended family and friends to the celebrations. 

Menu options include: a formal 1-5 course wedding breakfast, hot or cold buffet, hog roast or BBQ with a choice of arrival and toast drinks, as well as an extensive Wine menu. If you’re looking for something a little different, the in-house Chef can tailor make a menu for your special day. 

Polhawn Fort

A cliff-top fort in the South West of England standing tall among sweeping lawns. A secluded beach, Polhawn Cove, sits below, with exclusive access. Stunning sea views lie beyond, as if straight from the pages of a magical romantic novel.

You can tie the knot in the grandest splendour inside the Fort or go for a more bohemian vibe out in the Summerhouse, with its endless coastal views. You’ll get your dream wedding, however you roll.

Polhawn Fort is on the south coast of Cornwall, just around the corner from Plymouth and within really easy reach of Devon and the West Country. Choose a whole weekend or a midweek break, it’s your call. Either way, the place is all yours for the duration.

If you would like to book Blue Monkey for you or your wedding party then please book here online.

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